WINTER TIPS
From November to April, the mountains provide a winter wonderland that will take your breath away! The snow is ever gorgeous and provides Southern California the unique opportunity to experience the full beauty and wonder that the rest of the country enjoys.
But with its beauty comes with it full winter challenges. Particularly the transport. We are blessed in Southern California with unrivaled weather that its pleasant all year round. So, naturally, those that grow up in SoCal tend to be new to winter driving conditions. This guide was created to fill you in on how you can drive safely and what to expect as you make your way up to our lodge.
During snowy and icy road condition, all vehicles are required to park at the upper lot basketball court. All luggage will have to be carried down from there (about 350 ft up and down the hill). Depending on the condition, we may require 4×4 only. Though the highway is generally safe for 2WD with chains on, sometimes our property is not maintained by the CHP and has its own unique terrains that a 2WD can’t overcome. We will keep you up to date on the latest for your visit.
DURING ICY CONDITIONS
4×4 vehicles ONLY
Not all SUV and trucks are 4×4. AWD and 4WD have a good chance of getting out. 2WD has NO chance.
For us, ICY condition is during a snow storm and days after. The road ices for days after the snow (even with salt). How long depends on the temperature. During this time, 2WD will get stuck.
We will keep you updated on the condition.
TIRE CHAINS
It is the LAW that all vehicles must at least carry tire chains in during winter (Nov-Apr). This is whether it is 4×4 or not.
There are a variety of options out there but most of the easy-solution-based chains work well on highways but do not work on slopes. Deer View Lodge has steep slopes. We require actual link-based chains. No cables, zips, or other traction devices. They simply cannot give enough tractions to get over the slopes on property.
The vehicles need tire chains on all four tires of a 4×4. Having just 2 seems to make little difference and sometimes cause the chains to snap off or break.
What happens if I bring a 2WD?
4×4 is always recommended in all snow and ice conditions. 2WD will struggle on the slopes and will likely add an unexpected bonding time as shoveling and pushing will be needed for a 2WD to make it up the hills. EVEN WITH CHAINS ON!
The videos to the left are two different vans, both 2WD with cable style chains on.
You can expect anywhere from 1 hour to 7 hours to dig and push a single 2WD vehicle out. Sometimes all this is done in harsh snowing and freezing weather. Some conditions will absolutely require a 4×4 with all four tires chained.